IN THE FESTIVE atmosphere of Christmas, there is no better company than the family with which we share the most joyful and stressful moments of our lives. With our family-oriented culture, Filipinos find this season as an avenue to come together and catch up with our loved ones.
With all of the fun stories and interactions, there are distinct Filipino family members, under the lights and lanterns, that you’ll need to work your way around here and there during this inseparable get-together.
The Marites
It’s not surprising to see relatives huddled together in one corner of the room, discussing the latest talk of the town—treating gossip like it’s some kind of appetizer before the Noche Buena. So brace yourself to hear something like, “Uy, Alam mo ba na…” and “Naku! Narinig ko nga na si ano…” These “Chika Curators” definitely could give the tabloids (or Deuxmoi) a run for their money!
In a whirlwind of gossip, keep your sails ready! Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Maintain a calm, light-hearted tone and steer the topic away from sensitive ones. If you’re feeling chatty, share positive encounters you had this year. If you find yourself under the negative spotlight, try to deflect the attention by spinning the conversation towards the warm Christmas evening!
The Secret Santa
“Ay! Kamusta ka, inaanak? Oh ito, *secretly hands money* ‘wag mo na lang sabihin sa mama mo, hehe…”
On most family occasions, there would always be “the one” that makes us say: “Maybe this isn’t so bad.” Lucky for us, Christmas is that one holiday that we would never miss. Bringing home balikbayan boxes worth of gifts and food, along with a handshake that would surely become the “star ng Pasko” of your night.
This kind of relative is undoubtedly one you wouldn’t have to work around with. When meeting them, go with the flow and make sure to receive your secret present with a smile, a warm hug, and appreciation.
And don’t worry! They will surely give back on everything they missed the whole year. They are less of a headache than the typical relatives that most of us encounter, and frankly, they might just be the ones to teach us how to be more thankful on Christmas Day.
The Commentary Claus
Some relatives have an odd way of greeting after not seeing each other for so long—coursing them through comments on the changes of your physical appearance. From “Long time no see! Parang you’re gaining weight, ha!” to “Huy, you look haggard lately!” Commentary Claus opens small talk with unfiltered remarks.
With their words like daggers, arm yourself with that shield of confidence and a sword of humor. Respond gracefully with wit like, “Ang sarap po kasi ng luto niyo!” or “It’s the glow from the busy holidays, Tita!” Engaging in friendly banter lessens the situation’s awkwardness and steers the topic more positively and humorously.
The baby next door
“Ay jusmiyo! Shh shh… Tahan na…Sino ba kasi nanay mo?!” Confused, having found a baby in some room, usually yours, in the house, if this were a horror movie, “flabbergasted” would be the right reaction. But since it is just a typical Christmas day, it would be safe to assume that your pamangkin just found him/herself in your room to enjoy the celebration, baby-free. Who wouldn’t want that?
However, to avoid a tireless crying machine, ask your titas or titos if they want to look after a baby. It’s a great way to initiate conversations, especially with relatives you haven’t talked to in a while, creating opportunities to catch up and maybe recruit one of them to look after the baby.
And hey, if plan A fails, fear not, plan B is to catch up with cousins. Ask them, whether they be at your age, younger, or older, to look after the baby. Most of the youngsters in the family would find room to isolate themselves anyway to avoid other and more awkward family encounters. But if all fails, it wouldn’t hurt to stay with them for a while to avoid the awkwardness of whatever conversation happens.
The Historian
What’s Christmas without a trip down memory lane? The Historians have got you covered! They’ll surely give you an immersive historical lesson on past holiday traditions, looking back at old photo albums, recall memories from the “nineteen kopong-kopong,” and even share stories of how little you used to be.
You’ll be greeted by The Historians with the classic, “Ang laki laki mo na! Naaalala mo pa ba n’ung…” then continuing to talk about how they used to carry you as a baby and other anecdotes of your younger years. They’re fascinated with today’s changes and would gladly transport you back to decades ago with, “Did you know, back in my day…” and recall those times when life moved at a slower pace. Indeed, nothing beats the nostalgia that the Historian brings during Christmas.
Embrace the journey down the memory lane and actively participate in the conversations. Christmas is a great time to reconnect with your relatives, and what better way to strengthen those bonds than by reliving sweet memories and traditions! Contribute wholeheartedly by sharing your experiences to the collective history while celebrating the memories and traditions that bind the family together during the holidays.
The Karaoke Master
“Ay, teka! Akin na muna ‘yung mic at hindi pa tapos kinakanta ko.… Oh, ito, bili ka pa ng beer,” Ever had that uncle or aunt that stays with the mic and the karaoke machine even when everyone else is cleaning up, and all the food are covered with aluminum foil already?
A classic relative seen in almost all family occasions. They never fail to be “the sun” that lights up the room during the celebration, but never get a good night’s sleep. Just a shot more, and suddenly, they’re channeling their inner “Asia’s Songbird” identity. Ultimately, they are the ones who just boost that stereotype that any Filipino can belt the highest note, even while asleep.
Although it wouldn’t hurt to stay for the concert, even when it’s past everyone’s bedtime, ask the whole family to jam along to end Christmas with a blast—as depicted in Filipino culture during special occasions, there is nothing better for bonding than karaoke and liquor.
The Filipino family is truly a fantastic bunch of characters and personalities. Despite being tiresome at moments, nothing beats Christmas with the Filipino family.
(With Jennifer Gwyneth Fabros & Manssel Jianne Latonero)